Smiley Unveils Plan for Prov. Office of Strategic Partnerships

Providence mayoral candidate Brett Smiley unveiled Thursday the second piece of his economic development plan: a proposal to create an Office of Strategic Partnerships in Providence in order to create and promote public-private partnerships between the city, private foundations and the vibrant non-profit sector.

This approach has been employed in both Denver and Los Angeles to find additional resources and to better coordinate efforts to solve important urban problems.

“Providence faces big challenges, and with little left to cut and nothing left to tax, we must work hard to forge the kind of partnerships with the private and non-profit sectors that bring in more federal, state, corporate and private foundation grants into our city. That will be job one for the Office of Strategic Partnerships,” said Smiley.

Great example of public-private partnership

Smiley cited the Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy’s plan to revitalize Kennedy Plaza as a great example of the type of public-private partnership that will be facilitated by the OSP.

The office will serve as a bridge between the public and private sectors by proactively seeking opportunities for collaboration on a citywide level. An Advisory Board with representation from community-based non-profits, foundations, and the business community will be formed to provide feedback and guidance on the work of the OSP.

“The limited fundraising work currently being done by a small number of government agencies isn’t providing us with the resources we need, and by consolidating these efforts under the purview of a single office we can more efficiently and effectively bring in new funds to our city,” Smiley added.

Drawing from best practices

Smiley noted that he will seek an individual with experience in both local government and private foundation work to head the office. He will also draw on the best practices and lessons learned from municipal, state, and federal jurisdictions where this approach has been adopted.

Last week, Smiley proposed reforming the structure of the Providence Economic Development Partnership (PEDP) by moving its revolving loan functions into a new, independent program.

Related Slideshow: Rhode Island’s Highest Paid Mayors and Managers

The Rhode Island Department of Revenue's Office of Local Government Assistance, for the past 23 years, has conducted an "annual salary survey" of municipal positions in the state.

Below are the salaries reported for chief executives -- Mayors or Town Managers ranked by municipalities (with the position) in 2012, from lowest to highest. According to the survey, the amount "does not include fringe benefit data."

Positions appointed are indicated with an (A); positions elected are marked with an (E).